ELC October 2016 Newsletter

October 11, 2016

Topic
The children in ELC have been learning about ‘bugs’. This link came from one of the children showing an interest in our old bug hotel. We have been talking about what bugs eat and learning some interesting facts – Did you know some snails hibernate?
During our topic we have been gathering resources to improve our bug hotel. The children have been involved in collecting resources but we are still looking for some additional materials/resources. If you have any of the following things we would be grateful of any donations – cardboard boxes, newspapers, old plant pots plastic or terracotta, bamboo tubing/garden canes, slates or tiles and glass jars.

Childsmile Toothbrushing Programme
The Childsmile daily supervised toothbrushing programme is an initiative to help improve the oral health of children in Scotland. We will be starting toothbrushing again after the October break. Please ensure you have opted out if you do not want your child to take part in this programme. See letter attached.
This programme is not put in place so the children brush only at MAP, NHS Scotland advise that you should brush your child’s teeth twice while at home, once in the morning and once at night for 2minutes each time. An Oral Health Support Officer will be supporting staff with the programme and visiting regularly.

Ragbag
Please note some of the following changes to items that Rag Bag can and can no longer collect.

Children and Parents Enjoy Reading – C.A.P.E.R
This is a book lending scheme which we offer, where you and your child choose a book and take it home to share. You can choose a new book when the previous one has been returned. Each child will have a folder and a small comment book for you to write in about the books you borrow. Please see the noticeboard for your child’s C.A.P.E.R day; this will start after the October holidays.

Policy RemindersParents arriving early
In order to safeguard the children in our care and ensure the room is not busy and crowded with lots of adults, we would ask that parents please wait in the hallway until 5 minutes before their reserved time. We would also like to remind parents that they are responsible for the care of their child until their allocated time.

Use of mobile phones
Due to evaluations carried out by management and staff we would request that parent/carers do not use their mobile phones whilst in the playrooms and they remain in your pocket or bag. This policy is currently in place for staff members and visitors and we would also like parents to follow this policy as well.

Outdoor Play
We believe that access to the outdoor area is beneficial to the health and wellbeing of young children. As a consequence we do not want to restrict a child’s choice to play and learn outdoors. If your child is not well enough to go out, we would ask that they are kept at home.
The outdoor area will be resourced and available for the children to access on a daily basis.
Children will need to have appropriate outdoor clothing for the weather in order to enable them to fully access the activities outside.
Please remember to bring children’s coats and shoes in to the playroom. Outside is open for children to access when they choose and they are encouraged to be independent when getting ready for outdoors. Please ensure belongings are named.

Dates for your diary

October Holidays
17th October 2016 – 28th October 2016 – Children accessing ELC for 38 weeks of the year will be off during the October holidays.
Term 2 starts on 31/10/16.

Sponsored Walk
31st October 2016
ELC children will be participating in a ‘Halloween Pumpkin parade’ to raise money to renew resources ensuring we continue to provide a broad curriculum. This includes renewing construction toys, ICT equipment e.g. navigational toys, role play resources etc.
Children are invited to dress up in their Halloween costumes for this sponsored walk and also can bring in a carved pumpkin if they wish. There will be prizes for the best dressed and best carved pumpkin.
Children who do not attend will be invited in to join us. Please speak to a member of staff if your child does not attend on a Monday and would like to participate.

We hope you enjoy the October Holidays. ELC staff team

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